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Making Waves Foundation (MWF) formerly Sailors with disABILITIES (SWD) is an Australian registered not-for-profit organisation that, through sailing, becomes a catalyst for change in people's lives. We exist to offer life-changing opportunities to children, youth and adults with disabilities and those at a disadvantage to drive a more optimistic outlook for personal growth and improved life outcomes.

What We Do

We use sailing as a tool to build confidence, self-esteem and new relationships. Through sailing, people start to forget about what they can't do and focus on what they can. We provide free sailing and training programs for people with a disability, disadvantaged children and adults, and their carers.

Watch this short video about one of our participants.

Our Mission

To provide inclusive and unique sailing experiences with skilled volunteers and staff that:

  • challenge and support disabled or disadvantaged people to explore their potential and to facilitate an optimistic and positive mindset; and
  • raise awareness in society to change the attitude to disabled or disadvantaged people.

Our Vision

An Australia which embraces disabled or disadvantaged people, so they feel optimistic about their lives and are recognised by society as equals.

Our Values

Making a Difference

We have a passion for improving the lives of people with disability and who face disadvantage.

Safety

We place the safety of our teams and program participants at the core of everything we do.

Quality

We strive to deliver high standards of performance in all aspects of our work.

Integrity

We have an absolute and unwavering commitment to operate in a manner that is ethical, trustworthy, respectful and responsible.

Collaboration

We take a collaborative approach that values input from our volunteers, program participants, partners, donors and the communities in which we operate.

Innovation

We actively seek, develop and implement new ways of undertaking and funding our service offering.

Some of our Achievements

  • Since its inception in 1994, MWF has taken more than 64,000 disabled and disadvantaged people sailing and continues to build on this with more than 2,500 individuals benefiting from its programs every year.
     
  • In the 1994 Sydney to Southport yacht race, MWF was the first 100%-disabled crew in the world to compete in an ocean race.
     
  • Since 1994, MWF has competed in 20 Sydney to Hobart yacht races.
     
  • In 2003, MWF set and still retains, the world record for the fastest non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of Australia.
     
  • MWF set the world record for the fastest passage Sydney – Lord Howe – Balls Pyramid – Sydney in 2015.

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